NSW horsewoman Emma Day, 20, is the third generation of the highly respected Day clan and spent her childhood competing in the show ring.
Now she is keen to follow the family tradition and make her mark in harness racing.
Her grandfather Frank won the Miracle Mile with Friendly Footman and her uncle Michael trained1980s super pacer Gundary Flyer.
Another uncle, Neil, won the NSW trainers and drivers premiership.
But it is her dad Matt who has been her biggest influence. He is one of NSW’s most respected breeders with a host of sale-topping yearlings to his name.
He has been breeding for 40 years, has 20 broodmares, and has produced Sicario (1.50.4, $590K) and NSW Oaks winner Anntonia (1.49.8, $411K) among his top earners.
Matt Day also sold this season’s top 2YO colt, Protostar winner Loucasso (1.51.6, $345K), at our Sydney sale last year.
Despite her young age, Emma Day has gathered a lot of experience after a lifetime of equestrian competition, pony breeding and yearling sales.
“I always wanted to be as successful as dad. But I have learnt a lot from mum (Kirsty), dad and (dad’s partner) Jannine,” Emma said.
“I caught the showing bug when mum gave me a pony to have fun with. He was very successful in the show ring, taking me to the Sydney Royal Easter show twice when I was in only primary school.
“This started the love for Welsh ponies and we have a quality line of ponies coming through. I also break them in.
“Dad gave me a great stock horse gelding which brought me great success in all disciplines. I really enjoy riding him. And I can’t forget Jannine giving me the opportunity to campaign her lovely warmblood that we are very excited for over the summer.
“They tell me my first yearling sale was when I was six weeks old. I also help to breed the mares and prepare the yearlings over summer. It is second nature and my favourite time of year.”
Day bought her first standardbred broodmare when she was 15 and has quietly added three more to the band in recent years.
“The first mare I bought was Foxy Cleo. I got her in my very first APG online mixed sale when I was only 15. I then was given the opportunity to purchase three nice mares after that. Two have come from WA.
“I have sold yearlings at the sale so far. Mum has helped me along, having shares in two of them.
“I have only got one for next year’s (APG Sydney) sale, a filly out of Incendio by Bettors Wish. She has been a pleasure to wean and handle so far and I’m excited to see how she matures over spring and summer.”
Incendio has produced five winners from her first five foals, including Rolling Fire (1.54.5, $209K) and Krafty Bart (1.52.1, $106K). Bettors Wish has already produced two classic winning 2YO fillies from his first Australian crop – Ma Petite Dame and Wishing Belle.
Day said she also planned to expand her yearling preparation operation.
“Twelve months ago, I bought another 10 stables to be able to fit in more clients’ horses,” Day said.
“I currently have room to fit in a few more and would like to expand in the industry and make a name for myself.”
If you have experience and suitable facilities to prepare yearlings, APG would love to hear from you. We currently have a number of vendors across NSW, QLD, VIC, and WA seeking skilled preparers. Please send an expression of interest, including a short bio and your contact details, to sales@apgold.com.au.
From APG Media
